Zoe and her classmates saw pictures of the excited chimps opening their packages. Amy Fultz/Chimp Haven

Zoe and her classmates saw pictures of the excited chimps opening their packages. Amy Fultz/Chimp Haven

It’s not unusual for students at the Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., to adopt a charity or nonprofit group to support. But last school year, Zoe Ferland convinced her fifth-grade class to choose a project that was a bit different.

Zoe had learned about Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from research labs. “After my mom showed me some videos from Chimp Haven, I really wanted to help the chimps,” says Zoe.

Her mom contacted Chimp Haven and learned that the animals love to unwrap packages filled with treats. Zoe had found a way to help!

After getting the go-ahead from her teacher, Zoe and her classmates began collecting pretzels, popcorn kernels, and nuts. They brought in empty paper towel tubes and wrapping paper. Finally, they were ready.

It’s a wrap!

While the kids assembled and decorated the packages, Zoe’s mom, who works for The Humane Society of the United States, showed videos of the animals at Chimp Haven and spoke to the children. “We learned that chimps are so much like us, but they still need our help,” says Zoe.

In a couple of hours, three big boxes full of treats and toys were ready to be shipped.

A couple of weeks later, the kids saw pictures of the excited chimps opening their packages. “My most favorite picture was of a baby chimp hugging and kissing my stuffed animal frog,” says Zoe. “For me it meant that I really helped animals in need.”

Tell us how you’ve been helping animals!

Send photos and details, along with an email address and phone number, to kindnews@humanesociety.org or to: